by Paula Bowker
Daily lobo
Jackie Walker accepted the crown of Miss Indian UNM 2005-2006 with shaky hands and tears.
"I'm was nervous," she said. "I didn't think I would cry."
She said now that she has the title, she wants to travel to reservations to speak about education opportunities in New Mexico.
Five contestants competed for the crown. Outside the SUB ballroom before the pageant, contestants nervously rehearsed their speeches.
"I knew I remembered everything, but now I'm starting to forget it all," contestant Stephanie Scissons said. "I'm remembering to smile. It helps cover up the nervousness."
Tovarai Tso said she participated in the pageant because she wanted to promote the American Indian student body on campus.
"I want to also get to know more people on campus, especially Native Americans," Tso said. "This is my first semester on campus."
Scissons said she wants to be a liaison between the American Indian community and other communities. She said the pageant would help her with her confidence and experiences in life.
Andrew Thomas, master of ceremonies, said the pageant is not a beauty contest but is meant to find a community leader to represent the culture on campus.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Each contest was rated on a scale of one to 10 in three categories, including traditional talent, contemporary talent and impromptu question.
In the contemporary talent portion, Walker showed her knowledge of UNM by answering questions from the audience. She works as an orientation leader during the summer at UNM. She was able to answer any question that was thrown at her, including one about the history of Mesa Vista Hall, which was a dorm building before it became offices.
The other contestants displayed their contemporary talents by country western dancing, belly dancing and a research project presentation on staphylococcus.
Walker showed her Cochiti pottery for her traditional talent. Other contestants demonstrated traditional storytelling and how to make traditional pudding cake.
The final question was, "What, in your mind, is the number one issue that Native people in New Mexico face today, and what actions would like to take?"
Walker said education is the biggest struggle for American Indians. She said the solution is to keep bringing Native students to UNM and letting children and young adults know they can succeed.
"Students who see UNM can be very timid by it, especially those who come from small schools on reservations," Walker said. "We need to be there to let them know that we can help. Some people are just shy."
Jessica Valdez, Miss Indian 2004-2005, tearfully thanked her family and friends as she gave her farewell address.
"I have learned so much from this experience - how to be a better person and a positive role model," Valdez said. "I came to UNM to get an education for myself, my family and for the people of my culture. I can't wait for you girls to experience what I have. It has been a real honor."
Then Walker was announced as Miss Indian 2005-2006.
"The hardest part was waiting for the results," she said.
